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When is the coming general election?   Press Statement by Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew (Petaling Jaya, Thursday): When is the coming general election? Theoretically, no one would know except for the Prime Minister in this country. In the past, he has used it to his full advantage to gain victory for his ruling parties. Dr Mahathir has repeatedly said that he would not be leading the coming general election, and the election would not be held when he is still the PM. He has created a very strong impression that the general election would not be held this year. But there is still a fairly large population in the country actually feel that the general election is just around the corner, even as early as October this year. These perceptions were formed largely due to a number of factors, indications and observations: No matter what Mahathir has claimed, he may not be hundred percent comfortable to allow Abdullah Badawi a free hand to handle the general election. He cannot afford a replay of Habibie and Suharto in Malaysia. He may still want to see to it that everything is done in a manner he feels absolutely comfortable. He can only do it when he is still in power. Each parliamentary constituency was given either RM2 mil or RM3 mil and must be spent by December last year. All government servants are getting one-month bonus this year. Even the retired ones are getting some cash rewards. The Stimulus Package worth RM7.3 billion was launched a month ago. It is expected to boost the Malaysian economy in the coming months. Team A and Team B problem has been "settled" in a quick and unprecedented manner by the UMNO President. The cabinet reshuffle in away has helped prevent further internal bickering in MCA. All the three vice presidents of UMNO have openly submitted to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that they will respect his choice of deputy. And Abdullah has said that he will only appoint his deputy in November. The Education Ministry has postponed the UPSR examination to November this year without giving a specific reason. Many issues concerning the interest of the people seemed to be resolved or modified in a favourable manner to the people. The issue of SAR, Lee Sam Road cemetery in Seremban, Morning prayers for Penang Convent (Light Street), selling pork in open markets in Kajang, Iban Bible, just to name a few. And the Home Minister has met up with the editors of all Chinese press recently. We will not be surprise to see even tighter control on news and statements from DAP, DongJiaoZong and other opposition parties. All these factors, developments and measures could be interpreted as preparing the right conditions for the ruling parties to call for an early election. Could anyone still rule out the possibility of election this year completely, knowing very well that Mahathir is such an shrewd and unpredictable politician, who is capable of making stunning moves and pulling surprises? (26/6/2003) * Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew, DAP national publicity secretary